Federal prosecutors have filed charges against a physician from the Tampa area for multiple offenses related to the creation of harmful materials involving a minor, as well as attempts to persuade the child to participate in sexual activities.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the arrest of Dr. Stephen Andrew Leedy, a 59-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, who could face a life sentence in federal prison if found guilty. The Department of Justice indicated that Leedy is charged with three counts of producing child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual conduct.
The indictment and related court documents reveal that Leedy, who practices palliative care with a focus on pain management and alleviating symptoms of serious illnesses, allegedly used the online username “maximumuncle#9112” to exploit and harm approximately ten minors through digital platforms.
In various online interactions and video chats, Leedy reportedly instructed these minors to create sexually explicit images and encouraged them to engage in self-harm, including cutting, choking, and hanging. Tragically, in November 2021, one of the victims, referred to as Minor Victim 1, was found deceased, having hanged herself in a manner consistent with the instructions Leedy had previously given her.
Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritized the protection of children during his administration, advocating for and enacting legislation that prohibits the introduction of sexually explicit gender-related materials in grades K-3. Recently, DeSantis discussed this issue and related topics on Mark Levin’s Fox News program, framing it within the broader context of the perceived influence of the “woke mind virus,” a term popularized by billionaire Elon Musk, amidst a political landscape that has shifted following the 2024 elections, where President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican Party gained significant victories.
The prevailing mindset in our nation is, in many respects, undermining the fundamental will to persevere. The notion that ideologies associated with wokeism have infiltrated the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the CIA indicates that no segment of our government, law enforcement, or intelligence remains untouched by this detrimental influence. This ideology emphasizes superficial attributes, diversity, and the fluidity of gender, which ultimately distorts our capacity for rational thought. Levin initiated the discussion with these observations.
Indeed, we are currently experiencing a period characterized by misaligned priorities. The left has effectively commandeered these institutions, which were once held in high esteem. Reflecting on the time when I worked alongside then-Attorney General Edwin Meese during the Reagan administration, the Department of Justice was highly respected, DeSantis remarked.
Consider the Department of Defense; during my service in Iraq as a naval officer, we held these institutions in great regard. However, the left has appropriated them to advance their social agenda. This leftist ideology not only proves detrimental to the nation but also diverts attention from critical issues that require focus, he elaborated.
Our military leadership ought to concentrate on the application of lethal force and the defense of our nation, as this is essential for deterring threats. The FBI should remain committed to its primary mission of enforcing laws against criminal elements, DeSantis emphasized. Since the events of September 11, they have taken the lead in counterterrorism efforts.
In Florida, we face challenges in this regard, as there is a lack of cooperation from federal officials with local authorities. They assert that they are managing terrorism, yet it is evident that their commitment to this issue has waned compared to previous years, DeSantis continued. Furthermore, as you pointed out, even within our intelligence agencies, the influence of this so-called woke ideology has become increasingly pervasive.
On January 20th, I believe the nation will have the chance, with President Trump’s return, to reorganize and realign these institutions with their original missions, thereby effectively safeguarding the American populace, he stated. However, we currently find ourselves in a significant predicament. The past four years have represented one of the most challenging periods of presidential leadership, in my experience. Having been born at the conclusion of Jimmy Carter’s administration, I can assert that President Biden’s performance has been considerably inferior to that of President Carter.
